California Code, Financial Code - FIN § 6500

(a) Each association incorporated pursuant to or operating under the provisions of this division shall have all the powers enumerated, authorized, and permitted by this division and other rights, privileges, and powers, and may engage in any activities singly or with others, that are incidental to or reasonably necessary or appropriate for the accomplishment of the objects and purposes of the association, as provided by this division.  Among others, and except as otherwise limited by the provisions of this division, each association shall have the powers set out in this chapter.  Associations shall be subject to the provisions of the General Corporation Law (Division 1 (commencing with Section 100) Title 1 of the Corporations Code) and shall also have all the powers and privileges provided in the General Corporation Law of this state to other corporations except those powers and privileges that are expressly denied to associations in this division.  If any provision of the General Corporation Law is inconsistent with any provision of this division, the provisions of this division shall prevail.

(b) All references in this division to the General Corporation Law mean the General Corporation Law effective January 1, 1977, and any subsequent amendments thereto.

(c) In the application of Chapter 23 (commencing with Section 2300) of the Corporations Code to associations, the definition of effective date in Section 2300 is January 1, 1978.